| 
|
|
Better communication is key
Editor,
We have some concerns about the way some of our city business is being conducted. By not doing our due diligence prior to taking action, we are setting a poor example for our community.
In December of last year, our council was informed there would be a loan made to the Redevelopment Commission from the General Fund in January. The transfer of funds was made, but without council approval by special ordinance or resolution as required by Indiana Code 36-1-8-4(a). We now have to have a clean-up ordinance/resolution, which we are still waiting for three months later.
Changes were made to city employee pay schedules without amending our Employee Handbook. We now have legal counsel investigating whether an ordinance is needed to approve the new pay schedule. That investigation should have taken place prior to making the changes.
Tonight’s meeting was characterized as a regular meeting and not a special meeting. Was this an oversight? Our city Web site lists a Mid-Month Council Meeting on the third Monday of every month. Holding two regular meetings each month would require amending city ordinance 31.03, which sets our regular meeting for the first Monday only.
Per city ordinance 35.061, Board of Zoning Appeals members serve for one year and their terms of office end on December 31. While it may be that they can serve until new appointments are made, this is business that should have been addressed in January. It is especially important as the board is currently working with just four members.
We also question whether it is appropriate for John Jennings, as President Pro Tempore, to conduct council meetings when the mayor is seated in the audience. According to our information from the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, in such situations the mayor is not, in fact, absent and should therefore preside as set forth in city ordinance 31.04 and Indiana Code 36-4-6-8(b).
Finally, we need to work together to improve communication between our caucuses. We are not in denial as to who controls the agenda. But we were all elected to represent and serve the citizens of Beech Grove. We should all have equal time to consider matters that may come before us as a legislative body.
Sincerely,
Bud Templin, Beech Grove City Council At Large
Ed Bell, Beech Grove City Council District 2
Mary Stewart, Beech Grove City Council District 1
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
